Buzz
Do you believe cartoons are just for children? Reconsider. Some of the most laugh-out-loud programs in television history have been animated, often masquerading as kids' entertainment while delivering humor that resonates deeply with adults. Themes like rebellious antics, clever double entendres, and bold, politically incorrect humor feel more acceptable in animated form, granting cartoons a creative freedom rarely afforded to live-action shows.
Below, we rank the ten most hilarious animated series ever created, listed chronologically by their release dates. If you have a different opinion, kindly resist the urge to drop an anvil on my head or chase me with a giant hammer.
10. The Bugs Bunny Show (1960)
Isn’t he just a mischievous delight? Absolutely—and hilariously so. Debuting in 1960 and evolving through multiple versions over the years, The Bugs Bunny Show outshined all its predecessors with its unmatched wit and timeless humor.
From the very beginning, the show served as a platform for an ensemble cast, highlighting the vast array of Looney Tunes and Merry Melodies characters that debuted in 1948. The Bugs Bunny Show leveraged its star, the ever-scheming rabbit, to introduce and elevate his animated companions, many of whom have since become beloved icons in their own right. Characters like the self-proclaimed despicable Daffy Duck, the boisterous Foghorn Leghorn, the stammering Porky Pig, the perpetually furious Yosemite Sam, and the amorous Pepé le Pew all featured prominently under Bugs' leadership. In 1966, the show joined forces with another cunning character, becoming The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Hour, which hilariously depicted countless ways to temporarily outsmart a coyote.
Yet, it was Bugs who consistently stole the spotlight. Whether outwitting the hapless Elmer Fudd into yet another self-inflicted mishap, disguising himself as iconic figures from Marilyn Monroe to Little Red Riding Hood, or orchestrating an opera singer's chaotic downfall, Bugs turned absurdity into art like no other.
9. Inspector Gadget (1983)
What’s the two-word response to both 1) one of the most hilarious animated series ever and 2) Matthew Broderick’s most regrettable career move? You guessed it… Inspector Gadget.
The sole spinoff to earn a spot on this list, Inspector Gadget is essentially Get Smart without the romantic undertones—featuring a clever niece named Penny instead of the seductive Agent 99—and, rather than Maxwell Smart battling the inept KAOS syndicate, our clumsy cartoon detective stumbles his way through thwarting the schemes of Dr. Klaw’s M.A.D. organization.
The connection, naturally, is Don Adams, the actor who brought both Maxwell Smart and Inspector Gadget to life. As a bumbling cyborg cop, Gadget, much like Agent 86, manages to save the day thanks to a mix of sheer luck and the clever assistance of supporting characters. His gadgets, while innovative, often serve as both a solution and a source of chaos. Stuck in traffic? Go-Go Gadget van! Falling from the sky? Go-Go Gadget helicopter! Facing a killer shark? Go-Go Gadget necktie… until the shark turns you into its plaything.
Yet, the most powerful weapon in Gadget’s extensive toolkit is Don Adams’ flawless comedic delivery. Few performers can embody foolishness as masterfully as Adams, whose hilariously awkward and cringe-worthy antics translate seamlessly to his animated counterpart.
8. The Simpsons (1989)
When The Simpsons first aired on December 17, 1989, on the then-fledgling FOX Network, George H.W. Bush was in his first presidential term, the Berlin Wall had just crumbled, and the Internet was yet to become a household name. Over three decades and more than 700 episodes later, Matt Groening’s yellow-skinned family holds the record as the longest-running scripted TV series in U.S. history.
While The Simpsons may seem tame by today’s standards, its debut was groundbreaking and controversial. The formula was revolutionary: an adult-oriented cartoon airing during primetime, featuring Bart, a character whose rebellious antics were mimicked by kids everywhere. Almost instantly, Bart’s catchphrases, like “I’m Bart Simpson… who the hell are you?” sparked outrage, leading to bans on related merchandise in schools nationwide.
Regardless of its controversies, The Simpsons has always been, and continues to be, undeniably hilarious. The show’s standout episodes often center around Homer, the bumbling, dim-witted, and quintessential sitcom father. Even when the donut-loving, beer-guzzling patriarch isn’t the focus, The Simpsons boasts an extensive and richly developed cast of recurring characters, ensuring the series never loses its comedic edge.
From an ancient, ultra-wealthy boss with a sycophantic, overtly gay assistant to a school environment filled with nerds, bullies, a laid-back bus driver, and indifferent teachers, the show’s universe is vast. Add in Krusty the Klown, a merchandise-hawking children’s entertainer, and the hyper-violent cartoon duo Itchy & Scratchy, and The Simpsons evolved from a family-centric show into a sprawling world brimming with comedic possibilities and enduring appeal.
7. Ren & Stimpy (1991)
In hindsight, it’s astonishing that the bizarre, flatulence-filled, and nipple-obsessed escapades of a hot-tempered Chihuahua and his dim-witted feline friend were ever considered suitable for Saturday morning children’s programming—especially on the typically wholesome Nickelodeon network.
Visually, Ren & Stimpy oscillates between a world that feels like it was conjured by someone under the influence (who else would dream up a superhero named Powdered Toast Man?) and one imagined after a deeper dive into psychedelics. With its surreal visuals and unsettling soundtrack, the show bounces between the explosive rage of a dog and the blissful emptiness of a cat’s mind.
In one unforgettable moment, Stimpy attaches a contraption to Ren’s head, forcing him into an unnatural state of cheerfulness, and plays his favorite song, “Happy Happy Joy Joy.” As the music ends, Ren, grinning insanely, smashes the unwanted device with a hammer, perfectly in sync with the upbeat melody.
Unsurprisingly, the show’s creators often clashed with network executives over its content. Numerous episodes faced censorship, with violent, grotesque, or risqué scenes either trimmed or cut entirely. Examples include a decapitated head sequence and a close-up of Ren’s face being rubbed against a man’s beard. Thankfully, one iconic segment survived: the musical advertisement for Log, which hilariously touts its versatility with the catchy jingle, “It’s great for a snack, it fits on your back, it’s Log! Log! Log!”
6. Beavis & Butthead (1993)
Heh-heh-heh, you moron. Obviously, Beavis & Butthead earned their spot on this list. Despite MTV’s controversial role in birthing reality TV with 1992’s The Real World, the network also gifted us one of the funniest animated series of all time.
Beavis & Butthead perfectly encapsulated their era: Gen X teens wasting time in the most ‘90s way possible—watching music videos. The show not only became a hit for MTV but also served as a clever platform to promote music videos and specific artists, particularly the heavy metal bands the duo adored, as they headbanged from their tattered couch.
The brilliance of the show lies in its absurd stupidity. Two dim-witted, trashy 14-year-olds engage in outrageous antics like shoving explosives into frogs, poking each other’s eyes with pencils during class, and relentlessly chasing their ultimate dream—to “score,” as Butthead so crudely phrases it.
At its core, Beavis & Butthead shares a Seinfeld-like quality, where the characters’ pointless escapades lead nowhere and serve no purpose. It’s simply about two lovable losers failing miserably at life—and it’s hilariously effective. The show even spawned a successful spinoff, Daria (whom the duo mockingly dubbed “Diarrhea”), which nearly earned a spot on this list.
5. South Park (1997)
Twenty-five years ago, Trey Parker and Matt Stone introduced a crudely animated series on the then-obscure Comedy Central. Centered on the misadventures of four 8-year-old boys in a small mountain town, South Park’s debut episode, titled “Cartman Gets an Anal Probe,” set the tone for its boundary-pushing, offensive humor.
South Park excels for two key reasons, the first being its unforgettable main characters. Cartman, a rotund, foul-mouthed bigot, often targets his Jewish friend Kyle with anti-Semitic rants. Stan serves as the group’s grounded, nervous counterpart, while Kenny, perpetually muffled by his hood, meets a gruesome fate in every episode.
The supporting characters are equally hilarious. A suave chef, voiced by R&B legend Isaac Hayes, boasts about his infamous “chocolate salty balls.” A bald, cross-dressing teacher eagerly awaits someone to “pound my vag,” and Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo, serves as a satirical nod to holiday consumerism.
South Park truly shines when it leverages its animated format to skewer societal norms. A standout moment involves Cartman pranking his parents by shouting profanities at their Amazon Alexa, resulting in absurd additions to their shopping cart. Many viewers found their own devices mimicking Cartman’s commands—a clever stunt showcasing the show’s sharp wit and satirical edge.
4. Family Guy (1999)
The Griffins achieved a rare feat: they bounced back from a multi-year cancellation to become a long-running success.
Family Guy’s initial three seasons were… decent. The animation was rough, and the show lacked the bold, no-holds-barred humor that defines its current identity.
Similar to other modern animated series, Family Guy pushes comedic boundaries that would spell cancellation for live-action shows—both from networks and today’s hyper-sensitive audience. It fearlessly tackles gay jokes, racial stereotypes (like a money-obsessed Jewish shopkeeper and Peter’s awkward bullwhip antics near his Black friend’s house), a predatory neighbor’s questionable behavior, and even the overweight daughter’s dark suicidal tendencies. This unapologetic approach mirrors the boldness of Archie Bunker’s era.
Family Guy distinguishes itself in two key ways. First, it fully embraces its target audience: young and middle-aged men. A prime example is its elaborate, joke-filled Star Wars parodies, featuring Peter as Han Solo.
Second, the baby, Stewie, might just be the most hilarious animated character ever created. A sharp-tongued, sexually ambiguous genius, Stewie oscillates between inventing groundbreaking technology and failing to recognize basic shapes. His cutaway gags range from plotting matricide to dancing shirtless at a gay bar, showcasing the show’s signature humor.
3. Son of Zorn (2016)
The newest and shortest-lived entry on this list is like “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” on overdrive. Son of Zorn follows an animated barbarian warrior navigating modern, live-action society, complete with a human ex-wife and son. Think He-Man in suburbia—if He-Man cracked R-rated jokes and threatened to kill random people.
The story revolves around a warrior hailing from the mythical island of Zephyria, who relocates to Orange County, California, aiming to reconnect with his ex-wife, portrayed by Cheryl Hines from Curb Your Enthusiasm, and his teenage son Alangulon, affectionately known as 'Alan.' Zorn makes earnest efforts to rebuild his relationship with Alan, and Hines' character observes his progress, noting he has secured a job, an apartment, and even liberated his slaves. However, his attempts are continually disrupted due to his inherent nature as a cartoon barbarian. Throughout the series, Zorn struggles to understand his boss's femininity and constantly intimidates his ex-wife's boyfriend, played by Tim Meadows.
In a memorable dinner scene, Zorn orders a steak and, when asked about his preferred cooking style, he responds with 'Uh… not. Let’s go with ‘not’.' Later, he surprises his son with a massive animated falcon from his homeland. When Alan’s mother objects, a frustrated Zorn impulsively stabs the giant bird with his sword.
Despite its unique premise, Son of Zorn failed to attract a substantial audience and was canceled after just one season. Fans are hopeful that streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu might consider reviving the show.
2. Rick & Morty (2013)
Rick & Morty chronicles the wild, interdimensional escapades of an eccentric, elderly scientist and his timid teenage grandson. Equipped with a portal gun and an array of advanced gadgets and weapons, Rick Sanchez takes Morty on thrilling, often chaotic adventures. These range from saving Earth from destruction to engaging in a massive interplanetary orgy with a deity-like former lover who represents an entire planet's population.
The series benefits immensely from its boundless setting, allowing for the creation of bizarre, darkly humorous, and nerdy scenarios. In one instance, Rick escorts his son-in-law, Jerry, to a spa protected by an indestructible shield. Alien children roam freely, firing real guns at each other but instantly reviving due to the impossibility of death—until Rick's altercation on a rollercoaster disrupts the forcefield, leading to permanent fatalities among the children.
Lacking a storyline? Not an issue, as Rick simply flips on the intergalactic TV, unleashing absurdly funny moments, such as a leprechaun being brutally attacked by children for his Strawberry Smiggles. Morty reacts with, 'Jeez, Rick, that’s some intense content for a cereal ad.'
In a different episode, Rick and Morty undertake a convoluted, time-traveling quest to 1998, solely to obtain a limited-edition McDonald’s dipping sauce tied to a Disney movie promotion. The episode's popularity even prompted McDonald’s to reintroduce the sauce briefly.
1. The Ricky Gervais Show (2010)
Ricky Gervais's talent shines through in this show, which was never meant to be animated but ended up as one of the most hilariously entertaining cartoon series ever created.
In 1998, Gervais teamed up with comedian Stephen Merchant to launch a radio show filled with absurd anecdotes. The series ran briefly before the duo shifted focus to creating the iconic TV show, The Office. The radio program made a comeback in 2001, this time featuring producer Karl Pilkington. This pairing was comedy gold, as Pilkington's cluelessness perfectly complemented Gervais's knack for ridicule.
Karl's bizarre remarks and hilariously nonsensical responses to hypothetical questions (like when Ricky asked, 'What would you do if the world was ending?' and Karl replied, 'I’ve always wanted to kick a duck up the arse.') made it effortless to turn their prerecorded radio show into a wildly successful animated series.
Karl’s unintentional comedic genius is unparalleled. In one memorable moment, he ponders trusting jellyfish more if they had eyes ('since you can look a fish in the eyes'). He also repeatedly mistakes Clive Owen for 'Clive Warren,' leading to a hilarious cutaway scene, and when asked what he’d do with an exact clone of himself, he wonders, 'How would I know which one I was?'
